Biopharma Business

Ireland’s presence in the medtech research industry has just received a massive boost as Cúram, the Centre for Research in Medical Devices, has launched at NUI Galway.

The centre has received investments totalling €68 million, with a commitment of €49 million over six years from Science Foundation Ireland and industry, while a further €19 million has come via the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme. 24 indigenous Irish and multi-national companies will partner with Cúram, including Cook Medical, Boston Scientific, Mylan and Stryker Instruments. As well as industry, the centre has six academic partners including UCD, Trinity College and NUI Galway.

The aim of the centre will be to utilise the collaborative, multidisciplinary and informed research from all perspectives to translate basic research to clinical application as efficiently and quickly as possible. A team of 280 will be led by Scientific Director Professor Abhay Pandit. The research teams will engage in current projects both in collaboration with industry and on blue-sky research.

Pandit says: “Chronic diseases are the particular focus of Cúram’s research. Working with industry partners and clinicians, we will better understand that ‘hostile environment’ of the body and advance medical devices to the next stage where they mimic the body’s biology. We want to launch devices which are more effective for the individual patient, but more affordable to lessen the burden on healthcare systems worldwide.”

Cúram is to be officially launched today by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’Connor. She commented: “The medtech sector is hugely important to the Irish economy with over 400 companies based here, it accounts for over 29,000 jobs and is responsible for €12.6 billion worth of exports. I am delighted to launch Cúram, a world-class research centre, which will be very significant for our society and our economy.

“Cúram will also play a key role in ensuring that world class skills will be available to companies in Ireland as it is here to futureproof the medtech industry by providing access to unparalleled scientific expertise and innovation.”